In what ways can we prevent division within our Christian fellowship today? The Lesson from the Broken Staff “Then I cut in two my second staff called Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.” (Zechariah 11:14) • God Himself shattered the symbol of unity because His people resisted His shepherding. • Division was not merely relational; it was divine judgment for hard-heartedness. • The warning: unity is a gift from God that can be lost when we ignore His Word or tolerate ungodly leadership (vv. 4-13). Roots of Division to Watch For • Rejecting Scripture (Zechariah 11:8; 2 Timothy 4:3-4) • Self--serving leaders (Zechariah 11:5; Ezekiel 34:2-4) • Greed and exploitation (Zechariah 11:5,12; 1 Timothy 6:9-10) • Pride and envy (James 4:1-2) • Unforgiveness (Matthew 18:32-35) Practical Ways to Guard Our Unity Today • Hold fast to God’s inerrant Word – 1 Corinthians 1:10 “that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and conviction.” • Make Christ—not personalities—central – Ephesians 4:15-16 “we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head.” • Pray together consistently – John 17:20-23 shows Jesus linking unity to answered prayer. • Cultivate transparent relationships – 1 John 1:7 “if we walk in the light… we have fellowship with one another.” • Serve side-by-side – Philippians 1:27 “standing firm in one spirit, striving together for the faith of the gospel.” • Practice generous giving – Acts 4:32-33 couples financial sharing with “one heart and one soul.” • Celebrate diversity within sound doctrine – Romans 12:4-5 speaks of many members, one body. Essential Attitudes that Foster Fellowship • Humility (Philippians 2:3-4) • Meekness and patience (Ephesians 4:2) • Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) • Love as the supreme bond (Colossians 3:14) • Peacemaking spirit (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18) Handling Conflict Biblically 1. Go privately (Matthew 18:15). 2. Bring one or two witnesses if needed (v. 16). 3. Involve church leadership when unrepentance persists (v. 17). 4. Aim for restoration, not victory (Galatians 6:1-2). Keeping Our Eyes on the Chief Shepherd • Jesus is the unbreakable “one Shepherd” promised in Ezekiel 34:23. • When we stay close to Him, we share His love for every sheep (John 10:14-16). • Abiding in Christ’s Word and love keeps the “staff of Union” intact in our day (John 15:9-12). Living It Out • Daily submit to Scripture. • Pray for your leaders and hold them accountable. • Proactively seek reconciliation whenever tension arises. • Invest your time, gifts, and resources in the body. • Speak well of fellow believers; refuse gossip. • Remember that unity is precious, fragile, and worth every effort (Psalm 133:1). |
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